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Quality across the pitch

It's hard to fault City's quality in any area. One look at their bench tells you just how much strength in depth Guardiola has at his disposal.

He can select from an awesome array of world-class players in just about every position.

Perhaps one area where City are lacking at the moment is a striker to share the burden with Sergio Aguero as Gabriel Jesus continues to struggle for form, although 45 goals in 16 games would suggest it isn't holding City back too much.

Perhaps one area where City are lacking is a striker to share the burden with Sergio Aguero

LIVERPOOL

The acquisitions of defender Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson have gone a long way towards solving Liverpool's vulnerability at the back that have undermined Klopp's reign until now, although they are short of back-up heading into Christmas after suffering a few injuries.

Six goals conceded in 16 league games tells its own story, and Liverpool continue to be a potent attacking force with 34 goals scored.

Virgil van Dijk's arrival has gone a long way towards solving Liverpool's vulnerability at back

Manager

MAN CITY

What hasn't been said about Guardiola? The man with the gilded coaching career at Barcelona and Bayern Munich found it difficult during his first year in the Premier League, but more than made up for it last season as he won the title in record-breaking style.

A serial winner and passionate coach who demands everything from his players, the Spaniard has taken City to a whole new level over the past two-and-a-half years.

City boss Pep Guardiola has taken City to a whole new level over the past two-and-a-half years

LIVERPOOL

Klopp always felt like the ideal fit for Liverpool and so it has proved.

The German has become hugely popular since taking over in October 2015, galvanising the club into one that genuinely believes it can return to the pinnacle of English football.

Klopp's magnetic personality means he has the players fully behind him and the total support of the fans, just as he did when making his name at Borussia Dortmund.

Jurgen Klopp's magnetic personality means he has the Liverpool players fully behind him

Style of play

MAN CITY

It took Guardiola a year to impose his blueprint on City, but it has brought spectacular reward.

The champions are a well-oiled unit, espousing the principles that brought their coach success at Barcelona and Bayern; playing possession football, defending high up the pitch, and a high-pressing game designed to win the ball back within five seconds of losing it.

Unlike Barca, City use wingers to devastating effect and have the creativity across the pitch to cut their opponents to ribbons.

With the likes of David Silva, City have the creativity across pitch to cut opponents to ribbons

LIVERPOOL

Klopp's 'gegenpressing' is similar in many ways to Guardiola's high-press and has proved equally effective in regaining possession and turning defence into attack.

He arrived in the Premier League promising 'heavy-metal football' and has not disappointed, with Liverpool developing into an irresistible attacking force.

The front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane is among the most feared forward lines in Europe.

Record in big games

MAN CITY

The 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday reminded us all that City are still fallible. It was Guardiola's third defeat against Chelsea in five Premier League games as City boss, winning the other two.

However, in 15 league games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, he has lost just twice and won 10 times.

His record against Liverpool doesn't read so well. Two defeats, one win and two draws, including a surprisingly goalless affair in October when Mahrez missed a late penalty. And there is also the small matter of a 5-1 aggregate defeat by Klopp's side in last season's Champions League quarter final.

The 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday reminded us all that City are still fallible

LIVERPOOL

In 25 league games against Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, Klopp has tasted defeat only four times. However, 14 of those games have ended in a draw, with Liverpool winning on seven occasions.

His record against City is very encouraging ahead of their meeting on January 3.

One black mark on Klopp's career is his failure to win his last six cup finals – including two Champions League finals – and that inability to get his team over the line will come under scrutiny in the coming months.

One black mark on Klopp's managerial career is his failure to win his last six cup finals

Biggest weakness

MAN CITY

Weaknesses are hard to come by in either team. Guardiola's desperation to win the Champions League again may prove more of a distraction for City than Liverpool but that may be a forlorn hope for their rivals. City are more than capable of competing on several fronts.

Guardiola's desperation to win the Champions League again may prove more of a distraction

LIVERPOOL

Strangely, despite an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, Liverpool have not always hit the heights of last season. They have also been found wanting in Europe, losing away games to Napoli, Red Star Belgrade and Paris Saint-Germain.

But it's hard to pick holes in the current league leaders after Klopp resolved many of the issues that have blighted his first three years in charge.

Reds been found wanting in Europe, losing to Napoli, Red Star Belgrade (pictured) and PSG